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Endocrine

Thyroid Disorders

are very common in the general US population affecting up to 27 million Americans, and half of that number remains undiagnosed.  Thyroid Disorders are second only to Diabetes as the most common condition to affect the Endocrine System.  It is common to see an individual affected by both Thyroid disease and Diabetes.  

Common Terms & Definitions

  • Hypothyroid - Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism means that the thyroid gland can’t make enough thyroid hormone to keep the body running normally. 

  • Hyperthyroid - The term hyperthyroidism refers to any condition in which there is too much thyroid hormone produced in the body. In other words, the thyroid gland is overactive. 

  • Graves' Disease - Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease that leads to a generalized overactivity of the entire thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). 

  • Hashimoto's Thyroiditis - Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States. It is an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies directed against the thyroid gland lead to chronic inflammation.

  • Goiter - The term “goiter” simply refers to the abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. 

  • Thyroiditis - Thyroiditis is a general term that refers to “inflammation of the thyroid gland”. Thyroiditis includes a group of individual disorders causing thyroidal inflammation but presenting in different ways.

  • Thyroid Nodule - The term thyroid nodule refers to an abnormal growth of thyroid cells that forms a lump within the thyroid gland.

  • MNG - Multi-nodular goiter (MNG) is a medical term describing an enlarged, lumpy thyroid gland.

Common Symptoms?

  • Weight Gain or Loss

  • Cholesterol Issues

  • Joint and Muscle Pains

  • Fatigue

  • Neck Discomfort or Enlargement

  • Anxiety and Depression

  • Changes of the Hair or Skin

  • Infertility or Menstrual Irregularities

  • Bowel Issues

Diagnosis

Thyroid Disease is evaluated and diagnosed by a physician; usually an endocrinologist or your primary care doctor. Symptoms, signs, and several factors are taken into consideration when a diagnosis is made - all of which help identify the cause and severity of the disease. A diagnosis is reached after a thorough review of the patient’s symptoms, medical and family history, risk factors, physical examination, and most effectively, a blood test.

The most common blood test for thyroid disease are:

  • TSH ( thyroid stimulating hormone)

  • FT4 (free T4)

  • FT3 (free T3)

  • TPO (thyroid peroxidase antibodies)

Treatment

You should work with your medical provider to treat any thyroid problem. 

For thyroid disorders stemming from the over- or under-production of thyroid hormones, you want to try to restore the hormone levels to their proper balance. Hyperthyroidism needs treatment that will slow down the making of thyroid hormone, while hypothyroidism needs hormone replacement.

Drugs and surgery are usually effective ways to adjust hormone levels. Other treatments, including diet supplements, herbal remedies, and special exercises, may relieve some of the discomfort and help the thyroid gland work better. 

Before she decides which treatment is best for you, your provider will consider your particular thyroid condition as well as your age, general health, and past medical issues.

For more information visit diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES

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